SOCIAL INVESTMENT

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL INVESTMENT

1

Children with better nutritional status, and appropriate levels of vocabulary, cognitive development and socio-emotional development at young ages complete more years of schooling, have higher test scores in math and language, are less likely to be involved in criminal activity in adulthood, and earn higher wages.

2

The lack of well-trained workers is a problem for 1 out of 3 employers. Vocational training programs that meet the needs of businesses are key to eliminating the talent gap.

3

Women work more than ever in the region, but their wages are even lower than those of men. Therefore, we facilitate access to credit for women entrepreneurs, child care programs, flexible working hours, and skills training.

4

In the region, between 8 and 10% of the population is indigenous. One of our main goals is to increase the integration of African descent and indigenous peoples into policies, programs and public projects in the region.

5

Latin America and the Caribbean has 8% of the world's population but 31% of homicides. The causes of crime are multidimensional, but rapid urbanization and weak institutions are key factors.

OUR VISION

We aim to reduce poverty, guarantee citizen safety, and improve workplace equal opportunity and productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on vulnerable sectors, such as women, indigenous peoples, and Afro-descendant communities.

CURRENT FOCUS AREAS

Social Protection. To promote the development of skills and access to comprehensive quality programs for people living in vulnerable situations, poverty and extreme poverty.

Work and Pensions. Fostering labor and social security policies that help create more and better jobs, as well as universal pension coverage.

Gender and Diversity. Promoting gender equality and development support for Latin America and the Caribbean’s Afro-descendants and indigenous peoples.

Public Safety. Supporting a safer region by working with vulnerable groups on social prevention, police prevention and justice systems improvements.